This program presents a thorough review of the changes process on construction projects using the federal government and private contract clauses, analyzing and discussing express, constructive and cardinal changes. Coverage includes a thorough review of the mechanics of the clauses and a practical review of how express and construction changes arise, recognizing changes, documenting the claim and risk management aspects considered from the owner, general contractor and subcontractor's perspective. The discussion includes the analysis of potential revisions to the private form clauses and subcontract forms to consider in managing the risk of changes during construction.

Construction Contracts and Risk Management - Series Description
This 14-part webinar series is a deep dive into construction contracts, claims and risk management as it presents and analyzes the risks that arise on construction projects, the contract clauses and drafting considerations in allocating those risks, and the claims and disputes methods and procedures used in documenting, presenting, mediating, arbitrating or litigating the claims when they arise.

Along the way, the course presents and analyzes those topics from the perspective of the owner, general contractor and subcontractors operating on public or private construction projects. The topics are presented from both a legal and practical standpoint and the program discusses the substantive and administrative aspects of the key clauses, risks and claims prevalent on public and private construction projects.

James Newland is a partner in Seyfarth Shaw, LLP, a licensed architect, and his law practice focuses on major construction and public works projects and includes a mix of non-contentious and contentious matters. He is ranked by Chambers USA which describes him as “very well versed in construction law and construction related issues.” He began practice in 1998.

In his practice, James drafts and negotiates construction contracts and procurement documents and helps clients resolve major complex claims involving construction and design issues on domestic and international projects. He represents national and international contractors and project owners in transactional work, mediation, arbitration and litigation. He has significant experience in vertical construction, power and heavy civil contracting and claims, as well as in design-build, P3, alliance contracting and traditional design-bid build delivery formats. Government construction contracting is a major focus of his work.

Prior to practicing law, James practiced architecture and worked as a project manager on development projects. Given this experience, James is frequently called upon to counsel clients on risk management and allocation, advising on troubled projects during the construction phase, project work-outs and project closeout strategies.

James received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and earned his JD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.